Annapurna Circuit

Overview

The Circuit is a great introduction to Himalayan trekking. The trek begins with the steady ascending and superb opportunity to rediscover a vast and varied Mountainscape. The likes of Annapurna ranges I-Iv, Dhaulagiri range, Nilgiri, and Tilicho peak blesses your journey. The routes are well marked and our professional guides are ready to provide descriptive analysis.

This trek crosses two different river valleys and encircles Annapurna Massif. The journey follows the course of Marshyangdi and Kali Gandaki Valley leading to the ancient places. The journey starts from Besi Sahar with an amazing view of subtropical forests, terraced paddy fields, vegetation, and gazing at rural lifestyles. With the change in landscapes, we reach the mist-shrouded valleys. Fording raging torrents in a small wooden bridge, ascending steep ways, forest slopes, and traversing high passes are all part of the journey. Finally, we reach medieval places like Manang, Mustang, and Braga which resonate with the culture, history, and lifestyles of Tibet. The geography of these places is almost lunar type.

With sound acclimatization and an introduction to the numerous villages with closely packed mud houses, tunnels alleys, ancient monasteries, inhabitants, and their cultures which are still rudimentary and complicated to outsiders of the regions we finally reach Thorang Phedi which is the base camp of Thorong La pass. After approximately 30- 45 minutes of steep ascending after passing each series of stages, we reach the Thorong La pass in jubilation, where we enjoy the panoramic view of the mountain ranges.

The descending is even more interesting with plenty of ups and downs along until the Jomsom. First, we reach a holy place called Muktinath and visit the temple which is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists. It carries spiritual significance along with religious. Following the way, we pass through a confluence of two rivers kali Gandaki and Marshayangdi at Kagbeni and reach the rendezvous where the birds exhibit their playful flight. And we come even further down to Jomsom. We then follow the beautiful river meander and see the world’s deepest Canyon of Kali Gandaki river. These places are on high landscapes and the wind is harsh. Coming down there are many sacred temples and monasteries that are revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

In a nutshell, Annapurna Circuit is the representation of the whole of Nepal as it exhibits every type of scenery Nepal has to offer. The circuit is a nature’s playground. The verdant alpine meadows are carpeted with wildflowers, glacial moraines, steep forested ravines, and snow-bound ridges with the perfect backdrop of mountain ranges. Unseen Landscapes, deep-rooted cultural practices, the blessing of high mountains, few glaciers, and snow-padded roads make this trip adventurous.

From all accounts, this lively trekking experience in the hilly and mountain region is one of the experiences that you will remember for a lifetime. The trek offers a great variation in humans, culture, landscapes, and environment.